What Are the Therapeutic Strategies Targeting ErbB Receptors?
Given the critical role of ErbB receptors in cancer, several therapeutic strategies have been developed to target these receptors:
1. Monoclonal Antibodies: These antibodies specifically bind to the extracellular domain of ErbB receptors, preventing ligand binding and receptor dimerization. Examples include trastuzumab (Herceptin) for HER2-positive breast cancer and cetuximab for EGFR-expressing colorectal cancer.
2. Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs): These small molecules inhibit the kinase activity of ErbB receptors by competing with ATP binding. Examples include gefitinib and erlotinib for EGFR-mutant NSCLC and lapatinib for HER2-positive breast cancer.
3. Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs): These are monoclonal antibodies linked to cytotoxic drugs. They deliver the drug directly to the cancer cells expressing the target receptor. Examples include ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) for HER2-positive breast cancer.
